Lindsay Czech
Director of College Advising
Perrysburg High School (OH)

What drew you to the world of college admission counseling?
The opportunity to make an impact with students. I am a true believer in the power of education to make a difference in people’s lives so I felt if I could help students get the chance to further their education, I would find my work very meaningful. Perrysburg High School is actually my own high school alma mater (no, I did not set out to work at my own high school, but life has a funny way of working sometimes!). When an opportunity opened here, I felt very lucky to have the chance to make an impact in my own community.

What is your favorite part of the job?
The students, of course! I love getting to know them and what they care about. I love rooting them on through their application and decision-making process. I love following their journeys after they leave PHS and seeing all the good they do in the world.

How has NACAC played a role in your career?
When I started in my role 11 years ago, it was a new position in my district and I had not been a college counselor previously so there was no guidebook and I had to build my knowledge from the ground up. NACAC was an extremely valuable resource for me — the national conference, the listserv, and the online resources. In addition, being the sole college counselor in my building, my state affiliate (shout-out to the Ohio Association for College Admission Counseling!) has been a lifeline for making connections with other college counselors and admissions offices around the state, as well as for getting involved in the profession.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing our profession today?
As I mentioned above, I am a believer in the power of education to change lives and I am worried that college is becoming increasingly inaccessible to some populations due to rising costs and complicated processes.

When you aren’t working, what do you like to do?
I have three kids (ages 11, 9, and 6) so when I am not at work I am usually at a hockey rink, at a gymnastics meet, or driving my kids somewhere! For fun, I love to read and watch shows with my husband (currently watching: Welcome to Wrexham).

What five words would you use to describe yourself?
Friendly, collaborative, reliable, empathetic, and organized.

 

Published March 25, 2024